MINI Cooper S Blowing Smoke - Diagnosis

Real world diagnosis at home for your MINI R56 Cooper S blowing smoke after long idle.
We came across lots of misleading information on the web and forums so we thought we'd make this video to give real world guidance to MINIAC's everywhere.
Thanks for watching!

[@seanmichael374]

Mines doing this. I’ve replaced timing chain, sprockets as mine snapped.. meaning.. yup.. all new valves. I’m stupid. Not a car guy just capable of fixing. I didn’t replace the seals they “looked” great. No obvious issues even from the vent valves in cylinder 2 intake side. I got lucky, I did lose a piece of the bottom engine mount where the dipstick would slide in, but it didn’t affect usage so saved money. I’ve got a mountain of issues in tackling job by job, but I want to take my cylinder head off again. That sucks, just so wasteful with tight to yield bolts everywhere. So I’m trying to replace just the valve stem seals with a timing chain refresh (45k and counting) so clearly my rebuild was mostly successful. But the other issues no fuel pump went, it was the vacuum seizing that snapped the chain. Turbo failed after that, replaced them all with scraps or Amazon specials, I’ll say Amazon valves seem to be holding compression great. Seals preventing oil, not so much.

[@miguelrobles4907]

Nice video. My citroen ds3 has the same engine, same problem. I use liqui moly öl verlust stop and it completely stops smoking about 800 kms after pouring the additive. Great video.

[@StanislavVostal]

Hi, what additive are you using?

[@LeightonWaring-qp7ii]

Exactly the issue I’m having! Now just need to find a mechanic that will help

[@RichVincelette]

Thanks for the great info (troubleshooting my 09 JCW with similar symptoms currently), would have been interesting to see your spark plugs from each cylinder as well, and see if they could have been another indicator of your overall findings!

[@ryanrichards834]

Our pleasure! The spark plugs on this R56 had oil fouling but didn't really indicate any definite cause. It still could have been the Turbo, PCV, Piston rings or Valve stem seals. Good to check them first though 👍

[@buttermashpotatoes4617]

would love to see a video of how you replace the valve stem seals.

[@thabisopini7299]

Hi, i have the same problem, when its cold it doesnt blow any smoke but when its hot, it does, some machanic said it could be a valve gasket leaking..

[@ministryauto]

Not if the smoke is coming from the exhaust. A valve cover leak may be present but the smoke would be in the engine bay.

[@MM-oc2pg]

Indeed, a very helpful video. I have exactly the same issue with my Mini R60 Cooper S. Is the valve position the same on the N18 engine?

[@ministryauto]

It sure is 😢

[@rosst.2565]

Thank you this is exactly whats going on with my N18 im in the statea so the help with these cars are limited.

[@ministryauto]

You’re very welcome! Remember to subscribe so we can keep sharing our experiences

[@rosst.2565]

@@ministryauto definitely and I will be ordering some stuff too. Do you ship to the US?

[@ryanrichards834]

@@rosst.2565 - We appreciate it! yes, we ship worlwide

[@ryanrichards834]

"Worldwide"

[@rosst.2565]

@@ryanrichards834 👍🏽

[@mf3518]

Thx for video you seem trustworthy I wish you’d look at my mini :( it smokes sometimes :(

[@ministryauto]

My pleasure. Thanks for the feedback!

[@DaleSteel]

PCV doesmt blow oil in. It causes presure difference which drags the oil up from the sump past the o rings and into the combustion chamber

[@ssss-df5qz]

I can't really understand why stem seals would make smoke at start up when cold. It makes no sense. The oil leaking from the seals isn't going to leak enough to drip down into the bores while the car is shut off, plus only 1 bore will have exhaust ports open anyway. The whole reason the seals smoke when hot is because that oil leaking is being blown into a red hot exhaust. The reason is also happens more on idle is because exhaust back pressure is lower which allows the oil to creep in.

[@ag-hz7tt]

Hi, my mini has the same symptoms. Could this be the same diagnosis?

[@ministryauto]

Follow the test procedure to eliminate the other possible causes

[@MrNBlackwood]

As far as using a seal conditioner.... I doubt it will work. If you look at a worn seal you'll see why. You can't fix what's not there. On the ones I've seen the rubber is all but gone!! I'm surprised they last as long as they do!!

[@abh1945]

Great video! Maybe I know what air filter and red intake pipe your using and where did you got it from

[@luisvillafuerte5235]

Hola tengo el mismo problema el mini salt no turbo, funciona correctamente solo hecha nubes de humo cuando está detenido por unos minutos y cuando avanzas deja de hechar humo blanco, eso empezó con el cambio de aceite. Pero el carro funciona perfectamente solo es el humo blanco por el escape. Necesito tu ayuda gracias

[@olivia0140]

Lo pudiste resolver? Me pasa lo mismo con mi mini

[@rodolphocamargoo]

My 2012 is pouring so much oil that leaks all over the rear of the engine when I’m driving and push the gas and the turbo fill up, leaks way more. I have oil in all my exhaust inside and under the car is all messy. Do you believe I have some piston ring broke or just the valve seal that is causing all this oil leakage? Thanks for the video

[@kalashnarkoff9341]

Same is happing to my R56 atm, 2days ago I have tried some valve stem conditioner so seeing if that helps but I'm thinking I might have to replace the stems so would love to know how yours went did it solve it?

[@ministryauto]

Yes, the valve stems seal replacement fixed the issue 👍🏼

[@Hugs_4_Bugs_]

My car blows white smoke after like 10 minutes of being on and yeah she really doesn’t like idling. I thought it might be my ECT sensor cus it caused an engine light (said with a faulty sensor the car can run very rich or lean and keep engine fans on which kinda explains my symptoms) so I’m about to throw a new thermostat in but we’ll see if that fixes it.

[@ministryauto]

Definitely sounds like you need the MAP thermostat replaced but I wouldn’t be surprised if the valve stem seals are also due. Hope I’m wrong

[@merc190uk]

our N18 countryman s has just started doing exactly this and I suspect the valve stem seals, although no smoke form overrun and back onto throttle. ill pop the pcv first then i suppose drop the turbo. Did you remove the head or did you air compress the valves to do it? thanks for the video.

[@ministryauto]

Yes ours only had very mild smoke when in motion. We left the head in place and used compressed air to hold up the valves saving lots of time and parts 👍🏼

[@merc190uk]

Nice one, did you convert a spark plug to a air line or manage to find the correct fitting for the plug hole? I haven't bought anything yet to do the job just researching what I need.

[@ministryauto]

Best to buy the adaptor as we borrowed ours

[@gustavnordegren4298]

I have the same problem. However, there was a significant amount of oil in the pcv hose to the intake. Could it be a bad pcv system or is this also valve stem seals?

[@ministryauto]

Hi Gustav, The oil in the intake could be a faulty PCV or your engine may have excessive “blow by” meaning the pressure in the top of the valve cover is too great causing oil to be pushed through the PCV into your intake. When you run the engine is it easy to remove the oil cap and what happens when you do?

[@mariancapra6315]

@@ministryauto Hi...I Have the same problem and when i take off the oil cap the idle is going crazy and i get smoke from the engine(onli when is worm).What is the meaning of this?Steam valves or a Pcv?Thanks

[@ministryauto]

Marian Capra it sounds more like PCV valve is playing havoc with the idle. The secondary faults do sound like valve stems but change the PCV first

[@MrOllie777]

Sounds like valve guild oil seals .hmmm

[@DanaDiv-s5b]

Hi, 2days ago brought a 2012 R56S, 156Kms. Having same issue, white smoke coming when engine is hot & idle. There's a slight oil leak near rocker covers ( no dripping to floor). I checked radiator for any air bubbles while running the engine, nothing observed. It has been recently serviced with new oil filter, air filter & spark plugs. That's all I know about the vehicle and I'm really worrying now. If I do a vehicle diagnostic test ( Quoted $175/hr.) from a local repair shop will it give correct directions? or what should I asked for mechanic?

[@DanaDiv-s5b]

When I check the forums for similar issues lot suggested following, 1. Thermostat Replace 2. Liqui-Moly Resealer Engine Oil Treatment 3. Head Gasket Replacement 4. Turbo service 5. PCV system checked with pressure analysis I know nothing about vehicles, and can you tell me where to start?

[@anitap6025]

I'm having the same problem with my 2012 Countryman. My car alarm came on also. Did anyone experience the alarm coming on in addition to the smoke from the exhaust?

[@ministryauto]

It would be unrelated as there is no smoke sensor just motion and impact sensors

[@anitap6025]

Oooh I see. I was told that the cylinder head needs to be repaired. Is that common in the 2012 S Countryman?

[@ministryauto]

Anità P yes if a workshop is repairing the valve stem seals they would remove the head so they can service the head along with some other items. Our repair is for DIY applications

[@kalashnarkoff9341]

No not for myself it olny happens on drives of 20mins and then just sitting with the engine running for a about 5mins, once you put your foot on the gas you get a puff of smoke

[@anitap6025]

Ok! Thank you.

[@TanzJacobs]

Is your mini decatted ? My smoke appeared after decat last week and only smoke when it’s hot. Mechanic is telling us maybe valves.

[@ministryauto]

Yes we have our Performance High flow cat fitted but it has nothing to do with the issue. The issue was with the valve stem seals wearing out and allowing oil into the exhaust. With a de-Catt the oil may seep faster but it’s not the cause

[@xzibit8614]

Which mini do you have

[@tm5346]

Love video thank you !

[@ministryauto]

Thank you!

[@frograna1897]

Is it dangerous to drive my car like this??? It just started blowing smoke and I'm a few miles from home :'(

[@ministryauto]

No it’s not going to cause a great deal more problems if you just drive a short distance. You will need to have it repaired soon though.

[@jonathanmorley4891]

Hi! I have hi oil consumption too! On 2007 r56 coppers s, there’s oil on the turbo intake from the pcv side. No other oil leaks around the engine or under the car. I’m trying to find out how to access the PCV on the top of the valve cover but can’t remove it. Does this come off independently from the rest of the valve cover? Thanks

[@bdillard360]

I have an 07 r56 and the PCV is made into the valve cover. You have to replace the entire valve cover to replace the PCV

[@jonathanmorley4891]

@@bdillard360 that’s a real bum although might give it a go myself. There seems to be good tutorials on the web. Thanks for your reply!

[@bdillard360]

@@jonathanmorley4891 Yeah I’m not sure why they designed it that way. I replacement mine last year. I bought the valve cover off of Amazon for fairly cheap. The replacement was super easy. There are two spots that call for RTV and just be sure not to over torque the bolts.

[@willl6666]

I seen a video where you can buy just the pcv valve on Amazon the video is here on KZbin

[@akaitv6606]

Shitbox motor same as peugeot 207 engine identical in fact

[@obnoxiouscat6269]

i can only drive 30-40min max before my cooper starts smoking up!

[@ministryauto]

Yes - it’s only once the engine is at operating temperature

[@GarageMatters]

I recently completed an engine overhaul on an N18. When I put everything back together, and let it run for a bit, it would begin to smoke like crazy. After some inspections, I determined that it was because of the turbo. I took the turbo apart to find the hot side of the turbo leaking oil. After taking the compressor wheel apart, the exhaust side oil seal was caked with carbon which caused the seal to fail, and this allowed the oil to leak directly into the exhaust. Additionally, exhaust ports 2, 3, and 4 were soaked with oil (4 being the absolute worst with 1 being completely dry). So, my advice to all R56-R60 Mini owners would be to replace or rebuild the turbo after 80,000 - 100,000 miles.

[@darrenastbury5280]

If the hot side of the turbo was leaking oil then surely the oil would be pushed out the exhaust and could not run back to the cylinder head?

[@GarageMatters]

@@darrenastbury5280 Typically, yes, but this turbo is sort of top-mounted, which would allow oil to drain back into the exhaust manifold. The turbo sits in front of cylinders 3 and 4, which is why oil was more prominent around these exhaust ports.

[@Katiegirl2603]

This is why you had white/grey smoke?

[@pablito86]

hi, thank you for the video. I have the same problem with n18 and when I change oil with a new oil there's a lot of smoke bt only in the traffic so basically when the engine stay at minimum for a time. After 2000 miles the oil level getting down and there's no smoke. What I have to check change? thank you

[@user-mu3jo2od1u]

Hi, Thanks for sharing such an informative clip 👍🏻 To be honest I’ve been trying to find a mechanic in Sydney who would know the job the way you do and fix the same issue for me but to no avail! Is there anyway you can assist me with the issue and I will cover any cost involved... Thanks 🙏🏻

[@ministryauto]

Our pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it. Unfortunately we have moved from Sydney

[@heeey123ily]

Hello, my 2010 mini is blowing white smoke from the front left part of the engine. I just got my brakes changed and oil and coolant was checked as well. Do you know what the issue could be? It doesn’t smell like anything and only happens when I’m at a red light.

[@scubadeuce6990]

Having this issue with my 2012 Cooper. Thinking it’s a small oil leak when the valve cover gasket is cool, as the car uses a bit of oil, but none of it drips on to the ground and the other fluids are good. Wondering if you found something more clever maybe?

[@mikethebest6]

Thanks for the great information mate!! Cheers!

[@ministryauto]

My pleasure! Help us out by hitting the Subscribe button 👍🏼

[@AussieArcade]

Just recently bought a project 2007 Cooper S. Previously owner had rebuilt the engine but couldn't get it working due to a ECU fault which I fixed (was only firing on 2 cylinders). Had all the receipts etc. Mines doing a similar thing. Sit at the lights for extended periods (2 or 3 mins) and a big puff of smoke out the back, otherwise nothing during normal driving. I suspected a dodgy PCV on the cheap rocker cover that had been installed and turned out I was correct however even after replacing it I'm still getting the puff when engine is hot at the lights. From what I can tell the head was done including valve stem seals back in 2021 so the car has been sitting for at least 3 years not working properly. Could the seals go bad in that time with no use?

[@Tommymcgurk]

Hi did the valve stems sort your issue ?

[@ministryauto]

Sure did! The oil in the intercooler was from the extra blow by gasses due to the worn valve stem seals but the main sign was the oil leaking down the exhaust valve and straight out the exhaust. Remove your turbo to check like we did here 👍🏼

[@Tommymcgurk]

@@ministryauto great thanks ! I removed intake pipes and not one spot of oil ...car only has 41k miles on it to!

[@ministryauto]

Tommy Mcgurk did you check the intake pipe only or the intercooler outlet? what are your symptoms?

[@brooklynrena4599]

I’m pretty sure I’m leaking oil as well. The oil level does not stay up. Like I go through oil so fast. I’m so frustrated cause I adore this car and I’m a very nervous driver so not many cares make me feel safe. Mine smoke when I press the gas. It’s white smoke right now. So nervous to take it in cause mama is 8 months prego and funds are low lol

[@f1fanatic80]

Subbed! Great video, show us more on the repairs

[@robertharrison3289]

Can you suggest someone in Sydney who can fix this problem? I have this exact problem with my car

[@robertthomas4560]

It could be your oil and your coolant switching places

[@darrenastbury5280]

I have also noticed that my car is showing signs of smoke when I blip the throttle in heavy traffic when the engine is really hot. I have checked the turbo and there is no play and I also have an oil catch can fitted so I am not sure it could be PCV related? I may drop the exhaust manifold off and look for signs of oil residue in the head. The only other worry could it be oil control rings? Might try a heavier 10W/50 for now??

[@ministryauto]

It does sound like valve stem seals. I’d be checking the exhaust ports for any residue like you say. Good luck

[@buckleyeditz4206]

Hello I have a lot of black smoke coming out of even have black spots on my trunk cover.Also diagnostics showes too rich mature any ideas?New cams with filters fitted,new valve cover,new turbo,new head gasket and all valves were cleaned from deposits.

[@ministryauto]

Hi - Does the engine run well other than the smoke? Do you have the same symptoms as our R56? Cheers, Ryan

[@cmarive11]

Any video on how to replace the valve stem on this engine? Have a Picasso using same engine EP6CDT and the cover on the pcv system seems hard to remove without breaking something

[@ministryauto]

Sorry no video on that yet. The PCV system isn’t made to be removed separately from the valve cover unfortunately. It can be done but there’s a risk of it braking

[@remyhelu9397]

Hello there. I have the same issue with N14. But I have oil everywhere in tge intake in the cooler in tge turbo and a lots of it on the left side. I got photos if you care to help please

[@ministryauto]

Could be more likely turbo. Check the turbo shaft for play. Could still be excessive blow by gasses caused by faulty valve stem seals but would need proper diagnosis if that much oil is present

[@cryptoking7093]

Having same issue on a 2011 S countryman turbo belonging to a customer.

[@ministryauto]

Hope this helps

[@jonathanpainter9551]

2008 R55 Clubman S. I had a lot of white smoke blowing out the exhaust after a warm start. It was significant! After a bit of research I decided to replace valve stem seals and it STILL blows smoke after a warm start. I’m not sure what to check next because my turbo, exhaust manifold gasket, turbo foil gasket, turbo coolant and oil lines, etc were all replaced about 20k miles ago. Also replaced valve cover, water pump and water crossover pipe the same time I replaced valve stem seals.

[@ministryauto]

Sometimes the smoke can be coolant. How many kms on the engine? You could do a simple coolant pressure test? Could be a cracked head if the car has been overheated

[@MrNBlackwood]

Exactly the same problem with my 09 R57. I did lots of engine mods to mine so it was a bit easier to check everything and I already have a catch can. The can traps mostly moisture with a tiny bit of oil by the way. I'm going to have a good local shop do my valve seals and timing chain at the same time. He mentiond removing the head and doing the valve guides as well. I would like to know if the guides can be checked for play without removing the head? That would save a lot of time and money!! Great video, thanks!!

[@ministryauto]

Hey Neil, The valve stem guides can only be physically checked once the new valve stem seals are replaced by checking the lateral movement. Usually you would go off how bad the valve stem seals are and how many km’s on the engine. Hope this helps

[@tremblay993]

I have a similar problem, my mini cooper s 2009, blue smoke and I found oil in the air intake, is this because of the turbo or the pcv valve? The valve seals is brand new.

[@potatochobit]

you can rebuild the PCV rubber grommets for very cheap. after that if it is still smoking the sad news is your turbo needs rebuilding which is perfectly normal on a car with 100,000 miles. oil in the air intake is normal on a new car and is called blow-by but if it is dripping out that is not normal but happens as cars get old.

[@marcusbennette8454]

@@potatochobit How do you rebuild the PCV rubber grommets?

[@potatochobit]

@@marcusbennette8454 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2LKqGqQe7mVoZY

[@hopex1978]

Great video. I just bought mini for my wife and observed the white smoke from time to time... It looks like it.

[@ministryauto]

Thanks Andy

[@chitos2132]

Thanks! Time to work on the mini

[@ministryauto]

Good luck!

[@Fahds87]

My valve stems seals was done about 20k back. Turbo was done 5k back. I am experiencing the same issue when the car is warmed up. No smoke when revving, only on pull way and also when pulling away in 2nd gear after slowing down. I discovered if I rev before I pull way then it does not smoke. I suspect it to be the valve cover but been told it's the valve guides. I have no loss of power and idle is perfect. Also seeing alot of soot on the back bumper. No oil leaks anywhere except slight oil seepage on the valve cover. Getting a bad smell from the exhaust, no burnt oil smell. The only fault code logged is p2096. Any advice?

[@ministryauto]

How many kms on your MINI? It does sound like the valve guides may have excessive wear. The valve cover could be at fault given the PCV system is incorporated in it but more likely the valve guides as it doesn’t do it when it’s cold correct? You could have the PCV system checked with pressure analysis equipment at your local mechanic shop

[@Fahds87]

@@ministryauto 150k km. Thanks

[@francischristopherapuhin580]

2yrs later after this post, here I am a mini owner having the same smoke problem. Blowing smoke when slowing down, bro how did you fix it?

[@Trinavara]

Having similar problems with my 2014 Paceman JCW.. plenty smoke after long idle, it blows off and then none when driving normally . Accompanied with hard starting ,hard pinging and a general rough operation . It doesn't hard start or smoke when it's cold . I've changed the PCV, installed original spark plugs and coil packs, same problems . Also when it's idling I'm hearing a sorta throatal toad like echoing sound as if something is being restricted in the breathing system. There's also a trace of oil and hot oil smells around the engine area, and a lot of pressure when I open the valve cover . Is it possible that a lower part of the PCV system is still stuck despite changing the cover with red rubber and spring on top ? I saw a vid with some unit with a soleniod that get's stuck in the engine area but can't seem to find it now... Any suggestions ? *please note that the car goes kinda ok at higher speeds with no harsh bogging down bucking etc..probably a bit restriced I suppose but it goes without any obvious drama..